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1. The Committee notes with interest the Government's statement that the draft of the new General Labour Act is being discussed. The Committee hopes that the Government will keep it informed on the progress of the above draft and of any new regulations or decrees adopted in connection with it, which have a bearing on the principles of the Convention.

2. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee recalls once more that the provisions of the Constitution of 1992 which enshrine the equality of all citizens before the law, without any distinction, do not mention political opinion. The Committee notes with interest in this connection that section 18 of Act No. 23/92 enacting the revision of the Constitution, includes "ideology" among the criteria on which the equality of citizens is established. The Committee understands that the term "ideology" applies to political opinion and would be grateful if the Government would clarify in its next report that the term "ideology" covers the expression or demonstration of political opinions, in accordance with the the Convention, taking into account paragraph 57 of the Committee's 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation.

3. With regard to access to education and training, university courses and educational guidance, the Committee recalls that the Government stated in its previous report that far-reaching and comprehensive reforms were under way particularly in the teaching sector. In its earlier comments the Committee noted that section 6(5)(e) of Decree No. 17/89 of 13 May 1989 issuing the statutes of the Agostinho Neto University provides that the University Council shall ensure the political and ideological training of university administrative staff and graduates. The Committee also noted that section 30 of Decree No. 55/89 of 20 September 1989 to approve the rules governing the University's teaching staff provides that the duties of teachers should include assisting students in their political and ideological training. The Committee notes the Government's statement in its previous report that the removal of all ideological references from the Constitution and the fact that the MPLA-PT is no longer in power imply that any provision which is inconsistent, such as the one in above-mentioned Decree No. 17/89, is without effect. The Committee considers that if the legislation were to be amended expressly in this way, any ambiguity regarding requirements of a political or ideological nature affecting the teaching sector would be removed. Consequently, the Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide information in its next report on progress made in so amending the legislation.

4. The Committee raises a number of other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.